Core fitness system

ABSTRACT

A core fitness system for efficiently exercising the core muscles of a persons body. The system involves working a user&#39;s core muscles by rotating the user&#39;s body while holding the body at an angle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/265,648 filed Dec. 10, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention has been created without the sponsorship or funding of any federally sponsored research or development program.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention involves a core fitness system for efficiently exercising the core muscles of a persons body. The system involves working a user's core muscles by rotating the user's body while holding the body at an angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercising core muscles has been recognized to provide many benefits to a persons strength and overall health. Core training is huge today. A strong core helps the whole body. A core fitness program can benefit a person by alleviating back pain, strengthening the whole system of back muscles, improving posture and balance, enhance a person's athletic performance, enhance everyday movement, and improve a person's overall feelings of strength and health. A strong core equals a strong body and mind.

Prior systems, methods and devices for exercising the core muscles have often provided a limited options for the degree of core exercise. Often these prior systems are insufficiently effective in working the core muscles and for the purpose for which the are designed. Some prior systems are such as to increase the risk of injury and thereby the user's need for treatment and/or surgery because using the device.

These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.

It is, therefore, an outstanding object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising core muscles in an efficient and effective manner.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system for exercising the core muscles The result is smooth and continuous serial core workout of each sector of the person's core.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles, working the core all the way around.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles, with the axial angle of the machine along with rotation rate dictating the level of intensity, as could combining the present invention with holding a small weight or wearing a weighted vest.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles with a design that is safer, more effective, and more efficient than previous core fitness systems.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles that would have therapeutic value to the user.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles that would be beneficial in the improvement of weak or injured muscles including paraplegic people, assisting them in effectively and efficiently maintaining a strong healthy core.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles in a safe fluid-like manner.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles while rotating the user's body. Thereby, causing the user's core muscles to fire hard, with one area of the core muscle system starting to work harder as another area's workout is easing.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles in a manner which is a revolutionary idea for training the core.

It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a system for exercising the core muscles in which users will almost have a feeling of not working hard to get a strong core, even though they actually will be working hard. A core fitness system in which the user does not have to move during the exercise accept as an enhancement to the normal workout. A core fitness system that masks the amount of work the body is actually doing by fooling the mind a bit. A core fitness system that works the user's core muscles effectively while appearing to the user to be merely rotating the user about an axis. In essence, a core fitness system that appears to the user to be doing at least some of the work.

With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a core fitness system that supports a person at a point at or above the knees and at or below the waist, with the hip area the preferred position of support, and angles the person to a desired degree and holds them at this set angle, while rotating the person on around their axis, thereby exercising the person's core muscles all the way around. With the device rotating the person around their axis at the desired angle until the machine is stopped.

The rotation and angling of the person is motorized or self-motivated with the preferred method of rotation and angling being a motorized device. The containment user supports are fully adjustable up or down as well as in or out. Gravity is the main form of resistance as, while the person is using the device, the person's entire upper body is out in mid-air and positioned at an angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's left side,

FIG. 2. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's left side,

FIG. 3. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's front side,

FIG. 4. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its titled position, viewing the user's right side,

FIG. 5. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's back,

FIG. 6. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its titled position, viewing the user's left side, and

FIG. 7. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's left side,

FIG. 8. shows a front elevation view of a system embodying the principles of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's left side,

FIG. 9. shows a top elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's top,

FIG. 10. shows a front elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's front side,

FIG. 11. shows a front elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's back side,

FIG. 12. shows a front elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's left side,

FIG. 13. shows a top elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its upright position, viewing the user's top side,

FIG. 14. shows a bottom elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's front side,

FIG. 15. shows a front elevation view of a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, in its tilted position, viewing the user's back side,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 1 in which the general principles of the present invention are shown, FIG. 1 shows a machine (1) having a base (5), and a platform (10) mounted on the base (15). The mounting allows axial rotation and tilting of the platform (10) on the base (15). Upward from the base (15) is a containment (15) that peripherally supports the hips (20) of the user (25) when the user (25) is standing in the containment (15). When the platform (10) is tilted and rotated, so that the user (25) is rotated about the axis of the user's body (30), the weight of the user's upper body (35) works each sector of the user's core muscles (40).

The core fitness systems that are embodiments of the present invention may be any unit that supports a user(25) at the waist or hips (20) and holds them at a set angle, rotating them slowly, continually rotating the user until the machine (1) is stopped, thereby working the user's core muscles (40) all the way around. A stationary support pad (45) is positioned slightly below the user (25), providing protection from falls, and providing a stationary surface (50) on which the user (25) can rest if desired.

Referring to FIG. 8 showing a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention, the containment (15) includes adjustable padded hip supports (55) providing properly positioned support for taller, shorter, larger, and smaller people.

The angling of the platform (10) and the rotational rate of the platform (10) are accomplished with an angling mechanism (60) and a rotational mechanism (65). The machine (1) includes an adjustment means (70) for the user (25) or an experienced operator to adjust the rotational rate of the platform (10). With the rotational rate having a possible range of 0.25 rpm to 5.0 rpm with the preferred rotation rate being within a range of 0.50 rpm to 1.5 rpm and including a safety clutch (75) as part of the rotational mechanism (65) for the platform (10), which causes the platform (10) to cease rotating if the user (25) gives up and falls to the stationary support pad (45) or alternatively, the user (25) actuates a stop switch (80) located in a location convenient to the user (25), the stop switch (80) bringing the machine (1) to a halt and returning it to a Home position. The home position is where the platform (10) is oriented is such a way as to provide the best platform (10) positioning for the user (25) to enter and depart the machine (1). The platform (10) always returns to the Home position when the exercise routine is finished.

The axial angle of the platform (10) dictates the level of intensity of the workout. The axial angle having a possible range of vertical to 90 deg. with the preferred angle being within a range of 5 deg. to 50 deg.

The stationary support pad (45) under the user (25) gives the user (25) an option of letting go and/or giving up if the workout becomes too intense for them. The stationary support pad (45) being positioned far enough away from the user (25) to allow some movement for optional reps during the operation of the machine (1) if desired by the user (25). The stationary support pad (45) having a rotational mechanism stop switch (85) that is actuated by the user (25) leaning back on to the stationary support pad (45). The rotation being halted while the user (25) continues to lean against the stationary support pad (45) and restarts once the user (25) pulls away.

As with any piece of exercise equipment, proper supervision by an experienced operator is recommended until the user (25) understands how to properly work the machine (1). User caution is recommended whenever using the machine so as not to over do the level of exercise intensity,

In another embodiment, the angling mechanism (60) of the platform (10), which allows adjustment of the axis of the platform angle, could consist of a pre-set locking pin, an angle-adjusting lock pin, a motorized angle adjustment mechanism, a more elaborate motorized ball screw, or an acme threaded gear motor system.

In a further embodiment the user (25) could intensify the core exercise by holding a small weight (90) or wearing a weighted vest (95) while using the machine (1). The user (25) could hold small weights (90) and raise them over the user's head as the user's body (30) is rotated along with the platform (10), for more or less intensity on user's core muscles (40).

In a further embodiment the machine (1) could use an inflatable ring for mid section support, thus making it adjustable for different size people. In this instance, the ring would adjust, up and down, for height.

In still a further embodiment, the user (25) could move their body (30) doing repetitions as they rotate, thus adding workout intensity.

In a further embodiment, the stationary support pad (45) could also have a shut off switch built in, to stop the platform rotation. One method of achieving this could be to have the clutch on rotational platform mechanism (65) simply slip until the machine was turned off. The machine could use a V-belt drive, a gear drive, a direct drive, a sprocket-and-chain drive, a timing-belt drive, or any equivalent rotational mechanism (65).

In a further embodiment, the core fitness system could have a footprint of 3 ft. by 4-4.5 ft.

Further embodiments, could include different models of the core fitness system, including the use of a manual-adjusting axis angle or a push button system.

A further embodiment of the core fitness system, could consist of a support roller or ring that the hips and mid section roll on, in a stationary position. In this emodiment, either the person would rotate using their own feet in contact with a rough surface platform, or the platform for the feet could rotate, or the roller could rotate. The roller could be very soft and padded for comfort. The roller or ring could be something you could slip through or lay on; inside or outside. This embodiment could be manufactured less expensively than a motorized core fitness system.

A further embodiment of the fitness system, could consist of a long padded support, set at an appropriate height such that the user (25) could lean their mid-section on the support and simply roll themselves along it, while the user's body (30) remains at the desired angle. This embodiment could include another padded support that the user's feet could hook under so as not to lift off floor.

A further embodiment of the core fitness system could consist of a device that supports the user's upper body (35) instead of the user's lower body. In this embodiment, the device could rotate the user's body (30) while the user's lower body (i.e. the user's legs and feet) are hanging out in the air. This embodiment would work the same core muscles as the other embodiments described.

A further embodiment of the core fitness system, could consist of a padded barrel a padded inner hole that the user (25) gets in up to their mid-section, with the padded barrel having a high center which would act to raise and keep the user's mid-section higher than user's head and feet. With this embodiment the user would lay on the floor, inside the padded barrel up to their mid-section and rotate their body while keeping their head and their feet off the floor.

A further embodiment of a core fitness system is one in which the user would stand or sit in. An exercise bar, positioned such that the user could grab onto it with their hand, would be available. The user would grab the exercise bar with their hands and rotate the bar in the manner of stirring a pot, while their lower body is held rigid. This device would thus work the user's core muscles.

In a further embodiment of the core fitness system, the rotation rate and the set angle could be programmable.

In a further embodiment of the core fitness system, the platform rotational mechanism (65) could stop, start, or change the rotation rate, or the angling mechanism (60) could change the platform angle incrementally during an exercise routine. For example, the rotational rate or angle of the platform could be incremented ⅛, ¼, ½ turns during a particular routine.

In a further embodiment of the core fitness system, the control buttons or switches could be hard wired or wireless.

It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as properly come within the scope claimed. 

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
 1. A machine for use by a person, comprising: a. a support that supports the hips of the person, and b. a rotator that causes the person to rotate about their axis, while their hips are supported.
 2. the machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the support comprises; a. A base providing a stable anchor for the machine, b. a platform mounted on the base upon which the person stands, c. A containment mounted on the platform upward from the base in which the person is held secure at the hips, d. A tilting mechanism that is capable of tilting the platform at an angle, and e. A rotational mechanism that is capable of rotating the platform.
 3. the machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the support comprises; a. A base providing a stable anchor for the machine, b. a platform mounted on the base upon which the person stands, c. A containment mounted on the platform upward from the base in which the person is held secure at the person's hips, d. A motor driven tilting mechanism that is capable of tilting the platform at an angle, and e. A motor driven rotational mechanism that is capable of rotating the platform.
 4. the machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the support comprises; a. A base providing a stable anchor for the machine, b. a platform mounted on the base upon which the person stands, c. A containment mounted on the platform upward from the base in which the person is held secure at the hips, the containment consisting of fully adjustable supports, up or down, as well as in or out, d. A tilting mechanism that is capable of tilting the platform at an angle, and e. A rotational mechanism that is capable of rotating the platform. B) {core fitness system article claim—physical limitations with usage identified}
 5. A core fitness machine for exercising a person's core muscles, comprising: a. A base providing a stable anchor for the core fitness machine, b. a platform mounted on the base upon which the person stands, c. A containment mounted on the platform upward from the base in which the person is held secure at the hips, d. A tilting mechanism that is capable of tilting the platform at an angle, and e. A rotational mechanism that is capable of rotating the platform, f. the person secured in the containment, standing on the rotating and angled platform, with the person's core muscles being exercised by the person rotating while held at an angle on the platform. C) {method for exercising core muscles claim without pysical limitations}
 10. A method for a person having a body with a hip area and a core muscle area, for exercising the person's core muscle area comprising the steps of: a. securely supporting a person around the hip area, b. holding the person's body at an angle, c. rotating the angled person's body, and d. working the person's core muscle area. 